Adopted by the 29th World
medical Assembly, Tokyo; Japan,
October 1975, and amended by the 35th World Medical Assembly,
Venice, Italy, October 1983.
- The use of psychotropic drugs is a complex social
phenomenon and not simply a medical problem.
- Within society generally there is urgent need for
intensive public education, presented in non-moralizing,
non-punitive manner, and the development and demonstration
of practical alternatives to drug use. Physicians, as
knowledgeable, concerned citizens, should participate
in such programs.
- Physicians should prescribe psychotropic drugs with
the greatest restraint and observing the strictest possible
medical indication ensuring that all prescribing of
psychotropic drugs reflects accurate diagnosis, appropriate
nonpharmacologic
advice, and careful utilization of precise pharmacotherapeutic
materials, mindful of the potential dangers of misuse
and abuse.
- Physicians should accept the responsibility for collating
and providing factual information regarding the health
hazard of the non-medical use of all psychotropic material,
including alcohol.
- In cooperation with governments and relevant agencies,
the medical profession should ensure that such information
is disseminated as widely as possible, especially within
those age groups most likely to experiment with drugs
to counteract peer group pressure and other factors
which lead to misuse and abuse, and in order to maintain
for each individual the right and the responsibility
of free exercise of informed personal choice.
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